Huế, Vietnam –
The emperor looked angry.
He wasn’t looking at me, and I couldn’t tell at whom his anger was directed.
Suddenly, as he momentarily glanced in my direction, his mood shifted.
He smiled.
The thoughts raced through my head.
Was he smiling at me? Was he smiling because he was pleased with whatever fate he had decided to inflict?
What pronouncement would he utter, and what effect would it have? Would I be dragged away by guards, or left to go on my way unharmed?